What happened to the World Wonders?

Summary

This video script offers a humorous and insightful exploration of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, challenging the modern perception of these historical marvels. It delves into the true origins and purposes of each wonder, from the Great Pyramid of Giza's tomb for Pharaoh Khufu to the Colossus of Rhodes' celebration of a military victory. The script humorously critiques the 2001 online poll that selected the 'new' Seven Wonders, suggesting that money and nationalism influenced the results. It also touches on the destruction and mysteries surrounding these wonders, questioning why some, like the Pyramid of Giza, aren't included in the modern list.

Takeaways

• 😀 The commonly mentioned 'Seven Wonders of the World' are not historically accurate, with the Eiffel Tower and Stonehenge not being part of the original list.
• 🏛️ The actual Seven Wonders were determined by a 2001 online poll, which was influenced by factors like money and nationalism, leading to potential biases in the selection.
• 🔍 The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and only remaining mostly intact ancient wonder, originally covered in white casing stones and built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu.
• 🌳 The Hanging Gardens of Babylon might be a myth, with no archaeological evidence supporting their existence, despite being described by ancient Greek historians.
• 🏛️ The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was rebuilt multiple times after being destroyed by floods and fires, and was eventually razed by Goths and Christians.
• ⚡️ The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a symbol of religious devotion and cultural pride for the ancient Greeks, but was eventually destroyed by natural disasters and human actions.
• 🏰 The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a grand tomb built to honor a Persian satrap, and was known for its intricate sculptures and carvings, but was later dismantled for fortification.
• 🗼 The Colossus of Rhodes was a massive statue of the sun god Helios, built to celebrate a military victory and stood for only 56 years before it collapsed.
• 💡 The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a monumental structure that served as a navigational aid for ships, and was a symbol of the city's wealth and prestige.
• 🗝️ The script highlights the importance of historical context and the potential for modern perceptions to be distorted, calling for a reevaluation of what constitutes a 'wonder' of the world.

Q & A

What is the speaker's critique of the commonly mentioned 'Seven Wonders of the World'?

The speaker criticizes the commonly mentioned 'Seven Wonders of the World' for not including the Eiffel Tower and Stonehenge, which are not actual wonders, and questions the inclusion of the Coliseum, suggesting that the selection process was influenced by money and nationalism.

How were the 'Seven Wonders of the World' chosen according to the script?

The 'Seven Wonders of the World' were chosen through an online poll in 2001 where it was decided that the common people should vote on which monuments should be recognized as world wonders.

Why does the speaker believe the Great Pyramid of Giza is a true wonder?

The speaker believes the Great Pyramid of Giza is a true wonder because it was an incredibly fortified tomb for the pharaoh, built with 2.3 million blocks of stone weighing 5.7 million tons, and it was constructed in only 20 years.

What is the significance of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in the script?

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are significant because they were described as an impressive engineering feat with a modern water irrigation system, but their existence is questioned due to the lack of archaeological evidence.

What is the historical context behind the Temple of Artemis mentioned in the script?

The Temple of Artemis was a place of worship for the Greek goddess Artemis, representing nature and fertility. It was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with the final version being recognized as an ancient world wonder.

Why was the Statue of Zeus at Olympia considered a wonder in the script?

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was considered a wonder because it symbolized the religious passion and cultural pride of the ancient Greeks, and it was a testament to their devotion to the gods.

What is the story behind the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in the script?

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was built by Artemisia II, the wife and sister of Mausolus, to honor his death. It was a massive tomb decorated with sculptures and carvings by renowned artists, showcasing the wealth and talent of the time.

How did the Colossus of Rhodes come into existence according to the script?

The Colossus of Rhodes was built to celebrate a significant military victory and to praise the sun god Helios, after the people of Rhodes successfully defended their city against Demetrius's siege.

What was the purpose of the Lighthouse at Alexandria as described in the script?

The Lighthouse at Alexandria was built to guide ships into the harbor, making the city more attractive to merchants and increasing the wealth of the city's elites.

Why does the speaker argue for a new vote on the 'Seven Wonders of the World'?

The speaker argues for a new vote on the 'Seven Wonders of the World' because they believe that some of the ancient wonders are more impressive than the current ones and that the Pyramid of Giza should be included.